Overview
Sümela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery built on a ledge of a vertical cliff, about 300 m above the Altındere Valley, in the Pontic Mountains south of Trabzon. According to tradition, it was founded in the 4th century, with the present buildings largely from later centuries. Its walls and chapels cling to the rock, and the main church and several rooms have colourful frescoes, some of them damaged.
The monastery sits in the Altındere Valley National Park, a forested gorge with streams and waterfalls. Visitors park in the valley, then climb a path of several hundred steps through the forest, with views of the monastery above. Restoration work has closed parts or all of the site at times, so check before you go. In summer, the forest is green and cool, and in autumn it turns gold.
Highlights
- The monastery on its cliff above the gorge
- The frescoes in the rock church
- The forest walk and the waterfall in Altındere Valley
- Views down to the valley from the terrace
Best time to visit
May to October is the best time. The forest is lush in spring and summer, and gold in autumn. Winter is cold, wet and often foggy, and the site can be closed. Check opening and restoration status.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Trabzon (TZX), then drive about 45 minutes to 1 hour to the valley. Minibuses and taxis run from Trabzon to Maçka and the national park, and tours operate from the city. A rental car is useful for combining with Uzungöl.
What to expect
The walk from the car park to the monastery takes about 20 to 30 minutes uphill, with steps. The site has an entry fee, and parts may be closed for restoration. Weather is changeable, with mist and rain common.
Practical tips
- Check the opening and restoration status before you travel.
- Start early, as the car park and the path fill up in the late morning.
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring a rain layer.
- Combine with Uzungöl and the Black Sea tea hills.
Frequently asked questions
Is the monastery open?
It has been closed for restoration at times, so check the latest status before you go.
How long is the walk?
About 20 to 30 minutes uphill from the car park, with steps.
Who built it?
Tradition says it was founded in the 4th century, and the buildings were extended through the Byzantine and later periods.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Hamdigumus (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons, Ali Osman Dilekoğlu (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Rəcəb Yaxşı (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
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